Full Tummy Tuck with Lipo - Excellent Results! - Madison, WI

I am 11 days out from my TT and Lipo and extremely happy. I am amazed by the results in such a short time. Even with the swelling I am completely happy. I had lost 60 pounds and had horrible hanging skin..had to go!
I have an excellent surgeon so was not nervous going in; only excited. The entire experience has been amazing. I have to say that the first four days after surgery was the worst. The pain was pretty high but some of that was due to gas being trapped in my abdomen. I highly recommend taking some MOM the day after surgery. Trust me you do not want to get constipated. My back is pretty sore from being hunched over for so long but that is also getting better. Slow but sure. The tight feeling from the muscle repair and pulling the skin down does still bother me. It is just an extremely tight feeling and it hurts to laugh, cry, cough, sneeze etc. Still worth all the pain.
I would highly recommend that you be in good physical shape prior to this surgery. Cardio and weight training prior to this will really help you. You will be using your leg and arm muscles after surgery and will be glad that they are strong.
My doctor told me that I did not need to wear the compression garment all of the time. This is good because it was really hurting me. I have gone for the last five days without wearing it at all and it does feel better. Drain number 1 came out two days after surgery and the second drain came out on day 9. Feels good to have those out. Not that they hurt but were a hassle for showering etc.
I am only taking extra strength Tylenol for the pain and that works pretty good. Once I am 14 days out I can start taking ibuprofen and I think that will work better for the pain and swelling. I do notice though that by mid day my swelling gets worst and I have to lay down and rest. I get a super tight feeling in the tummy and hips. But at least now I am able to stand up straight most of the time. Still get spasms in my lower back but he says that will improve.
Highly recommend that you rent a hospital bed for the first two weeks. This has been a lifesaver for getting in and out of bed. So glad I have it!
I will post pictures in the next day or two.

Day 15...

Went  in to see the doctor today because I had concerns about the amount of swelling I have.  He said that everything looks fine and this is all totally normal.  Some people swell up more than others..you might know I would be one of those people!!  Started taking ibuprofen today for the swelling and pain which seems to help.  I am taking 800 MG every 6-7 hours.  You can take that dose up to 4 times a day if needed.  I am hoping I won't need to do this for more than 5-6 days.  Any longer than that might be hard on the tummy.

I think I have a little bit of the post op blues setting in.  I have been a bit weepy and even cried at the Purina Puppy Chow Ad on TV...oh BOY!!   Apparently this is also part of the recovery.   I am trying to stay positive and just rest so that the swelling isn't't so bad.

I do good until I have been up and around for two hours and then the swelling begins.  I look A little bit like I have a tire around my middle and it gets so tight. 

The weather is nice so it does help to sit outside in the sunshine.   Just to get out of the house really helps.  I am off work until May 10th so have hopes everything settles down before I have to return.   I would think three and a half weeks off would be enough time. 

I am now 12 weeks post op and totally excited about my progress. It just gets better and better each week. I do still have swelling but that will take some more time. This entire experience has exceeded my expectations. I never thought I would be able to say at the age of 46 that I love my body these days. I have not been able to say that since before the birth of my son 18 years ago. So ladies...if you are having second thought about the TT procedure...DON'T. Just do it because you are worth it.